Easy Gluten free mac and cheese doesn't have to be complicated as it is so simple to make and only requires a few ingredients. There are lots of Gluten free pasta options in all large supermarkets to choose from. How to make cheese sauce without flour I recommend using cornstarch (cornflour if in the UK) to thicken your sauce.
This gluten free macaroni cheese without flour is a great midweek meal as it's ready in less than 30 minutes. Made in its simplest form ready to eat or add some extra ingredients (See variations below) to suit your family's tastebuds.
This gluten free mac and cheese can be accompanied by your preferred gluten free side dish.
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Easy Gluten free Cheese Sauce
Traditionally a roux is made with flour and butter to make the cheese sauce. I have tried switching out wheat flour for gluten free flour and then through developing my cheese sauce recipe found that for the best results making cheese sauce without flour using corn starch (cornflour in the UK) as a thickener. It works so much better as the sauce has a beautiful silky and creamy texture and it is much easier to make and I have also used it as a base for gluten free cauliflower cheese.
Is Cheese Gluten free?
Cheddar cheese is gluten free. It is advisable to always check the label to ensure that the cheese is gluten free as some brands may contain gluten.
How to make Mac and Cheese gluten free
Easy gluten free mac and cheese recipe. It is the perfect comfort food that I love making for my family and is a regular quick weekday meal staple.
If you are looking for a creamy delicious budget-friendly macaroni cheese recipe that is also gluten free then look no further you will love this recipe!
Gluten free Pasta
Gluten free pasta is widely available in most supermarkets and usually, I find you have to try a few different brands to find your favorite. Always follow the cooking instructions on the pasta packaging for best results. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, rinse with cold water to prevent it from continuing to cook.
Ingredients and equipment
Ingredients
- Cheddar cheese - I like to use two varieties of block cheese. You can use your preferred cheddar cheese but I do love using mature cheddar. Always use block cheese and not the ready shredded cheese as I feel that block cheese does make for a better cheese sauce.
- Gluten free Macaroni pasta - Use your preferred brand of gluten-free pasta and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Cornstarch - (cornflour in the UK) - for making cheese sauce no flour.
- Mustard powder
- Milk - I used whole milk in this recipe but you can use semi-skimmed. If you prefer you can also make mac and cheese with almond milk. It's really your own preference but I feel that using full-fat milk makes for a nice creamy cheese sauce.
- Salt and pepper - To season
See the recipe card for quantities.
Equipment
- 2 Non Stick pots
- Cheese Grater
- Wooden spoon
- Kitchen scales
Step by Step Instructions
- Following the manufacturer's instructions and start making the gluten free pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking you can begin to make the cheese sauce.
- Place the milk into a separate pan keeping a few tablespoon of milk aside to mix with the cornflour.
- Mix the cornflour and milk previously set aside until it forms a smooth liquid with no lumps and add to the pan with the milk.
- Gently heat on a medium setting until the milk heats slightly and add mustard powder, salt and pepper. Once the milk is almost at boiling point turn down the heat to a low/medium setting. Stirring continuously.
- Once the sauce has started to thicken start to add the grated cheese gradually one small handful at a time until fully melted and combined.
- Once your cheese sauce is ready take off the heat and add your drained pasta to the cheese sauce.
- Your Mac and Cheese is now ready to eat and can be served straight away.
- If you wish to add to an oven-proof serving dish. You can top with extra grated cheese or/and gluten free breadcrumbs and place under the grill or in the oven for a few minutes until slightly toasted on top.
Tip: If the sauce is thicker than you would like just add a little extra milk till it reaches your desired consistency.
Variations
I have kept this recipe simple but still tasty. I have added some variations or additions that you can add to this gluten free cheesy pasta recipe.
- Toasted breadcrumbs - Add a layer of gluten-free breadcrumbs to the top of the cheesy pasta and toast under the grill until golden before serving.
- Smoked bacon - Add cooked smoked bacon through your finished macaroni and cheese dish.
- Green peas - Add green peas to the finished dish.
- Spice it up - Add either Cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or chili to add a bit of heat to your cheesy pasta.
- Almond Milk - If you prefer you can use almond milk in mac and cheese. Just follow the recipe as directed using almond milk.
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Recipe FAQs
Yes, To make mac and cheese with almond milk recipe just follow the recipe as directed using almond milk.
Yes! This can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for you to enjoy for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or place back a pan to reheat. You may want to add a couple of tablespoon of milk to help make the sauce creamy as it will have dried out slightly in the fridge.
This dish can be used as a main dish or a side dish. For an alternative serving suggestion. You can place it in an oven-proof dish and add your desired toppings. Such as extra grated cheese and gluten-free bread crumbs and place in an oven or grill until topping is nicely toasted.
I would have to say that this is based on personal choice and taste. I recommend trying your local supermarket or store gluten free brands as I have found many that I have liked. Some of my preferred pasta are Barilla Pasta varieties, Morrisons Gluten free Macaroni, and Marks and Spencers free from ranges of pasta. I would love you to leave a comment below on your preferred Gluten-free pasta
Yes, I have put instructions in the recipe card below to make a smaller batch of mac and cheese if you are cooking for fewer people or using it as a side dish.
More gluten free recipes
📖 Recipe
Gluten free mac and cheese
Nutritional information is meant as a guideline and all information is approximate.
Equipment
- 2 non stick pans
- cheese grater
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 250 grams Cheese (Grated) See recipe notes for the cheese I recommend using.
- 500 ml milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (Cornflour if in UK)
- 350 grams Gluten free Macaroni Pasta
- pinch of Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Following the manufacturers instructions start making the gluten free pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking you can begin to make the cheese sauce.
- Place the milk into a separate pan keeping a few tablespoon of milk aside to mix with the cornflour.
- Mix the cornstarch and milk previously set aside until it forms a smooth liquid with no lumps and add to the pan with the milk.
- Gently heat on a medium setting until the milk heats slightly and add mustard powder, salt and pepper. Once the milk is almost at boiling point turn down the heat to a low/medium setting. Stiring continuously.
- Once the sauce has started to thicken start to add the grated cheese gradually one small handful at a time until fully melted and combined. If the sauce thickens too much just add a little extra milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Once your cheese sauce is ready take off the heat and add your drained pasta to the cheese sauce.
- Your Mac and Cheese is now ready to eat and can be served straight away.
- If you wish to add to a oven proof serving dish. You can top with extra grated cheese or/and gluten free breadcrumbs and place under the grill or in the oven for a few minutes until slightly toasted on top.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is meant as a guideline and is always an approximate calculation. Recipes may include information of various products used. It is your responsibility to check that ingredients you use when making a recipe are gluten free.
I hope you have enjoyed this cheese sauce without flour recipe.
I would love to hear from you. If you have any feedback feel free to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. You can also tag me in any photos taken when trying this recipe over on my Instagram page.
Joe
I’m making it today as my daughter and granddaughter are celiacs
Amanda
Thanks for your comment. Hope you have a lovely meal with your family.
Joe
What does the mustard powder do to this recipe
Joe
Please let me know what the mustard powder does to add or detract from the final result
Amanda
Thank you Joe for your comment. I like to use mustard powder in my cheese sauce as it adds flavor and as dry mustard is acidic it helps balance the creamy richness of the cheese sauce. You can skip the mustard powder if preferred but this may result in a bland flavor to the cheese sauce.
Laurie
Thanks for the recipe
I made this today, it didn’t seem to have a lot of flavour and almost tasted a bit powdery. I followed the recipe exactly with all of the correct quantities as I weighed them out - I do suck at cooking though but not sure where I went wrong 😆
Amanda
Hi Laurie, Thank you for your feedback. I am sorry it didn't quite turn out as expected for you. The powdery texture could be due to the type of cheese used. I recommend using block cheese rather than pre-grated cheese. It could also be caused due to cooking the sauce on too high a heat as the cheese will then start to break down which can add a gritty texture to the sauce.
Laurie
Thanks Amanda, it was certainly edible and my partner seemed to really enjoy it. Ah yes we used pre-grated cheese. When I was adding it I was on 5 (out of 10) on the induction job which is fairly low. I let the milk get to about 85C before I turned it down to 5 so I certainly didn’t let it boil - will add the cheese on 4 next time and not be lazy and grate some block cheese 😆
Amanda
Thanks, Laurie for your reply. Yes, definitely use block cheese as the outcome will be a better flavor and texture to the finished mac and cheese. As this recipe is a simple mac and cheese you can also check out my variations within the post for some options to add additional flavors to the dish.